persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsi-stənt 
-ˈzi-
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as
a
: retained beyond the usual period
a persistent leaf
b
: continuing without change in function or structure
persistent gills
c
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
d
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
e
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
a
: continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently
adverb
Examples of persistent in a Sentence
Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist.
—
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Recent Examples on the Web
Residents face persistent shortages of water, electricity and medical care.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
The persistent lack of performance caused many to wonder if Howell may be unseated as Minnesota’s next-in-line behind J.J. McCarthy under center.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Aug. 2025
From labor shortages and healthcare gaps to the spread of misinformation and persistent data security risks, there are areas where better, faster application of technology could drive meaningful change.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Here’s what to know: Powell’s speech comes at a particularly high-stakes moment for the central bank leader, who has been on the receiving end of persistent pressure from President Donald Trump and his allies to cut interest rates.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
The persistent lack of performance caused many to wonder if Howell may be unseated as Minnesota’s next-in-line behind J.J. McCarthy under center.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Aug. 2025
From labor shortages and healthcare gaps to the spread of misinformation and persistent data security risks, there are areas where better, faster application of technology could drive meaningful change.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Here’s what to know: Powell’s speech comes at a particularly high-stakes moment for the central bank leader, who has been on the receiving end of persistent pressure from President Donald Trump and his allies to cut interest rates.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Cite this Entry
“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsis-tənt
-ˈzis-
1
: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time
a persistent cold
persistent gills
2
: stubbornly determined
persistently
adverb
Medical Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
-tənt
1
: existing or continuing for a long time: as
a
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
b
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
c
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
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